Parliament

Singida East MP, Tundu Lissu

MPs divided over Kadhi Courts

Members of Parliament were yesterday divided over the establishment of Kadhi Courts. Most said the issue would undermine the principles of Tanzania as a secular state as observed since the era of Founding Father of the Nation Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.
It is also reported that factions of Muslims also oppose appointment of Kadhis (judges) by the Mufti alleging he will serve as a government puppet. Full Story

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has approved a resolution that denies sitting allowance to members who dodge sessions.
The resolution comes amidst concerns that some members report on the first day of the sitting, sign for and take their sitting allowance but disappear and never participate either in very important plenary, committee sessions and other activities of the House.

Some members of the National Assembly have urged the government not to demolish old buildings in Dar es Salaam but rather to preserve them as historical sites and tourist attractions to increase foreign exchange earnings.

With donors contributing 97 per cent of the entire budget to combat HIV/Aids in the country and the government only 3 per cent, members of parliament yesterday proposed for the establishment of an Aids Trust Fund to supplement government efforts in the fight against HIV/Aids instead of depending on financial aid from donors.

Members of Parliament yesterday resolved to punish drug traffickers with life imprisonment in addition to fining them not less than 1 bn/-
This followed their consensus that the earlier proposed public execution of drug trafficking kingpins was against international efforts to abolish capital punishment.

The Treasury spends over 7bn/- every month to pay rent for government offices, the National Assembly heard yesterday.
Chairman of Local Authority Accounting Committee (LAAC) Rajab Mbarouk Mohamed (Ole-CUF) said this as he expressed concern over the government’s expenditure and misuse of public funds.

Despite bumper harvests of food crops last year, about a dozen regions are expected to experience food shortages this year.
This was said yesterday in Parliament here by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives, Godfrey Zambi.

The Treasury spends over 7bn/- every month to pay rent for government offices, the National Assembly heard yesterday.
Chairman of Local Authority Accounting Committee (LAAC) Rajab Mbarouk Mohamed (Ole-CUF) said this as he expressed concern over the government’s expenditure and misuse of public funds.

Members of Parliament were yesterday up in arms demanding the government to officially distinguish the types of jobs which can be done by Tanzanians and foreigners.
Debating the Non-Citizens Employment Regulation Bill 2014, they said doing so would end complaints and confusion in employment related matters.

The Government has been challenged to establish an entrepreneurs’ bank that will be supporting them.
In a basic question, Dr Henry Shekifu (Lushoto-CCM) wanted to know the government’s plans of empowering entrepreneurs and other small groups that are in need.

Parliamentary meetings resume in Dodoma today with legislators expected to endorse three bills and discuss the Controller and Auditor General’s (CAG) reports for parastatals, central and local government for the 2012/13 fiscal year.

It was months, weeks and days of soul searching and probing for Minister for Energy and Minerals Prof Sospeter Muhongo until only yesterday when he called it quits, bowing to pressure that called for his resignation due to mishandling of the Tegeta Escrow Account(TEA) monies.

Independent Power Tanzania Limited (IPTL), Pan African Power and Harbinder Singh Sethi have now sought High Court to issue a certificate of urgency to prevent the implementation of eight Parliament resolutions on the Bank of Tanzania Escrow Account Saga that has so far seen the resignation of the Attorney General, Fredric Werema.

The National Assembly yesterday unanimously came up with eight resolutions on the hot debate involving the withdrawal of Sh 320 billion from Tegeta Escrow account that was being administered by the Bank of Tanzania.

Something ironical ensued in the National Assembly on Friday in Dodoma when members of Parliament were drafting resolutions that would pin down all individuals implicated in the saga involving the withdrawal of Sh320 billion from the Tegeta Escrow account that was being administered by the Bank of Tanzania.

The National Assembly may likely no longer debate the protracted saga over the controversial Tegeta escrow account scandal reports this week, after all.
The lawmaking body had planned to deliberate on the much-talked-about issue for three days running from today, but two of the parties to the saga yesterday sought – and were granted – a High Court injunction effectively putting the debate on hold.

Members of Parliament now demand legal action against those implicated in the IPTL saga, saying it is not enough just to take political responsibilities.
The MPs who talked to The Guardian on Sunday this week observed that those proved to have benefitted from the Sh321bn scandal should be taken to court and charged with the offences.

Deputy Speaker of The National Assembly Job Ndugai on Monday this week led MPs to light candles in honour of premature babies at an advocacy event targeting them.
The function was organised jointly by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Jhpiego, Save the Children, Tanzania Midwifery Association, UNICEF, World Health Organization, Evidence for Action/Mama Ye, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and UNFPA to mark World Prematurity Day (WPD).

True to fears shared by the Coalition of People’s Constitution (Ukawa) Deputy Speaker of Parliament Joseph Ndugai has announced that report findings on the controversial Independent Power Tanzania Ltd cannot be discussed by parliament because the matter is still with the High Court.

Officials of the Mwanza City Council have been ordered to appear before parliament to answer allegations of pervasive mismanagement of public funds in the 2010-2012 fiscal years that was discovered by the Local Authority Audit Committee (LAAC).

Parliamentary Committee on Economic Affairs, Industry and Trade has advised the government to expedite redress of private sector challenges warning that delayed intervention limits the sector’s potential.

Dar es salaam- Tanzania's parliament has received a report on the findings of an investigation into corruption allegations in the energy sector, officials said on Sunday, an issue that has led to donors delaying aid and weakened its currency.

The parliament has resolved to give autonomy to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to give it mandate to handle all statistical data in the country.
The government through the Finance Minister, Saada Mkuya Salum tabled the resolution early Wednesday in the National Assembly.

As legislators demand a government contingency plan in the face of dwindling medicine supplies, parliament was yesterday informed that over 600m/- is required to finalise construction of a maternal and child health building at the Dodoma Regional Hospital that has remained idle for eight years now.

Lawmakers yesterday demanded explanation from the government on emergency plans it has lined up to rescue lives of Tanzanians who are suffering due to the shortage of medicines in hospitals after it failed to settle 90bn/- it owes the Medical Store Department (MSD).

A Member of Parliament has made an impassioned appeal for the rescheduling of the three-week ordinary meeting of the National Assembly, which opened here yesterday, recommending that the funds allocated to it be spent on buying medicines for public hospitals.

The Constitution Forum in the country (CF) said the government should push the constitution process timetable to the next Parliamentary session to make it legally binding.
According to Constitutional Forum, the next Parliament which is scheduled for November, must enact the law that would compel the new president to be elected in 2015 to proceed with the constitutional writing process.

Members of the Constituent Assembly (CA) want to remove Article 129 of the Draft Constitution which empowers the public to hold their parliament representative accountable for any presumed failure to discharge the duties of their offices.

As the Constituent Assembly (CA) is set to resume its plenary session today, people with disabilities are pushing for a five percent representation in decision making bodies and Presidential appointee posts to be incorporated in new constitution.

Constituent Assembly (CA) Committee Number 10 members have warned about proposals that parliament should approve some appointments in government.
They told newsmen in Dodoma yesterday that the proposal would lead to conflicts of interest in the three organs of the State.

Several Constituent Assembly (CA) members have challenged Attorney General Frederick Werema’s recent statement that the existing Union Constitution would be amended if the ongoing assembly runs short of the needed two-thirds quorum for endorsing the newly crafted constitutional draft.

The government intends to convene an emergency meeting of the Union legislature to review and amend some sections in the Constitutional Review Act, if the Constituent Assembly (CA) will be short of the needed 2/3 quorum to endorse a newly crafted constitution draft, it has been established.

The key roles of legislatures are drafting, enacting (passing, amending and repealing) laws and exercising oversight over the executive branch of the government. In a democracy, legislators perform these roles as representatives of the people.

The coalition of Defenders of People's Constitution (Ukawa) yesterday started experiencing what analysts have described as ‘a fracture’ after some of its members reported at Bunge premises and registered for the Constituent Assembly’s sessions in the country’s designated capital.

Plenary sessions of the Constituent Assembly have been suspended until next month to give room to members of 12 committees of the special assembly to discuss the remaining 15 chapters of the Draft Constitution.

The Constituent Assembly (CA) kicked off in Dodoma yesterday with members amending thirteen sections of the standing orders to allow for smooth operations of the resumed meeting and enable it to complete its tasks within the extended sixty days.

Talks aimed at resolving the impasse surrounding the resumption of the Constituent Assembly (CA) next week could not bear fruits as until we went to press no deal was struck between the conflicting sides.

Former Chairperson to the UN World Conference for Women dubbed ‘Beijing Conference’ Getrude Mongella has offered to be an intermediary in the protracted negotiations between members of the Coalition of People’s Constitution (Ukawa) and the ruling CCM on constitution review process.

Members of Parliament have blamed the government for what they term as too much secrecy on the budgeting process.
Debating the Finance Act, 2014, the legislators argued that the government only involves MPs in the budget process during parliamentary session, and usually coming up with the same revenue sources.

As Finance minister Saada Mkuya is set to windup legislator’s contributions on the national budget for the 2014/15 fiscal year, the law makers have urged the government to remove the 22bn/- it has allocated to itself for only refreshments.

The government should direct more funds to the agricultural sector and improvement of infrastructure in the coming financial year to control inflation and boost national income.
These are among the views aired by Members of Parliament at the weekend over the national budget for the 2014/15 fiscal year.

Parliament performance this week was put on a slate during debate, with MPs complaining that the law making organ is a letdown to the public.
Debating the 2014/2015 budget discussion, some MPs expressed dissatisfaction with discussion among legislators who complained about the budget but supported it, while being aware that it cannot be implemented.

After questioning the government’s spending of borrowed funds, Members of Parliament yesterday also called on the government to let the legislators review its borrowing proposals before submission to intended sources.

Members of Parliament have criticised government’s decision to lower the required maximum life span for imported cars from 10 years – from the day of their manufacture- to only eight year at an exercise duty of 25 percent.

At last Members of Parliament yesterday endorsed the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) protocol on Finance and Investment.
The endorsement comes nearly a decade after SADC members adopted in Lesotho the protocol that aims to establish principles for harmonisation and adoption of best practice of legal and operational frameworks of Central Banks.

To better serve people with disabilities as well as other vulnerable groups, Members of Parliament are asking the government to change the jurisdiction of the social welfare department from the Ministry of Health and Social welfare to the Prime Minister’s office.

Some members of parliament have asked the government to have the Commission for Science and Technology (Costech) conduct research on the aloe vera plant which is nowadays widely used by a cross section of people.

In efforts to tame the opposition camp in parliament, Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda on Friday suggested that the National Assembly should review Standing Orders that allow MPs to storm out of Parliament, saying their action was a disgrace to the public.

Members of Parliament have demanded that the government reclaim its shares in Dar es Salaam Transport Company (UDA) that it had sold to Simon Group Company and sell them at higher prices to recoup the resultant loss and end the controversy surrounding the transaction.

Some Members of Parliament, who are among long standing debtors of some social security funds, may soon be slapped with arrest warrants Deputy Finance minister, Mwigulu Nchemba Labour and Employment minister, Gaudentia Kabaka said yesterday.

A week after President Jakaya Kikwete implored regional leaders and other stakeholders to end needless maternal, newborn and child deaths in the country, 81 Members of Parliament have followed with a petition echoing the president’s appeal.

Barely a year to the next general elections, unfulfilled election pledges by President Jakaya Kikwete during the 2010 now haunt Members of Parliament, many of whom are uncertain of their fate in the coming polls.

The government has been advised to utilise available mobile money services to ensure timely efficient payment of teachers in the country’s remote areas who now suffer from ever late payments blamed on geographical limitations.

Members of Parliament have called upon the government to consider alternative measures that will reduce traffic jams in Dar es Salaam to save the loss of billions of shillings reported to be incurred by the government annually due to the congestion.

Members of Parliament and academicians called on the government to increase community involvement in the fight against poaching noting that community participation is the key weapon needed to win the outrage that is tarnishing the nation’s image.

Members of Parliament yesterday took to task the Minister for Home Affairs Mathias Chikawe over poor and still deteriorating conditions in the country’s prisons.
The MPs, debating the 2014/2015 budget, said prisoners still face years of confinement in cramped and dirty quarters and get insufficient food rations.

Members of Parliament raised their voices on Wednesday in protest against a growing trend of bulldozing historic buildings and structures in replacement with new-modernised ones, saying they instead need to be renovated to promote tourism sector in the country.

Members of Parliament mid this week suggested the need for the government to come up with a special ministry for the country’s commercial city of Dar es Salaam.
They made the suggestion here when debating the 2014/15 budget estimated for the Prime Minister’s Office which was tabled on Tuesday in the august house.

The newly elected Members of Parliament yesterday took oath of allegiance administered by National Assembly Speaker, Anne Makinda.
Godfrey William Mgimwa (CCM) and Ridhiwani Jakaya Kikwete (CCM) were sworn-in on yesterday in the august house in Dodoma.

Industry and Trade Parliamentary Committee has rejected reports of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) saying it misses relevant information on administrative actions taken against its staff implicated in the consignment scandal in which 500 containers were freely cleared out at the Dar es Salaam port without inspection.

The Constituent Assembly yesterday approved proposed amendments of some standing orders in a move to enhance harmony effectiveness in its sessions.
Amendments were done on standing orders number 32, 33, 35, 41, 60, 62 and 82.

The Constituent Assembly (CA) has so far used almost 27bn/- in tax-payers’ money since its start but has achieved little in discussing the draft Constitution, Finance minister Saada Mkuya said yesterday.

Constituent Assembly Interim Chairman Pandu Ameir Kificho this week came under scathing attack from CA members, blaming him for failure to control the House.
The CA has suffered from a groundswell of complains that the chair was not strong enough to guide the House to meaningful decision over the past two weeks -- since the C.

A section of academicians have criticized the proposed model for the country to have three governments, some of them expressing fear that the ruling party may dominate decisions of the Constituent Assembly that starts its formal sessions on Monday.

The Tanzania Constitutional Forum (TCF) has cautioned bad-mannered members of Parliament to refrain from slighting those coming to join the legislative body, ahead of the convening of the Constituent Assembly slated for early next month in Dodoma.

Kigoma South MP David Kafulila ( NCCR-Mageuzi) has called for a procedural reform in the running of parliamentary sessions, suggesting formation of a special committee with a duty of reviewing government answers in the parliament .

Older members of Parliament are being advised to step down and let young blood take over legislative reins in order to bring about fast economic development in the country.
According to some MPs, their old colleagues cannot work as efficiently as when they were younger to push for the desired economic development in their constituencies.

Parliament has approved amendments to this year’s Finance Act, eliminating the Tsh1000 charged on simcards per month and instead raising airtime taxation from 14.5 per cent to 17 per cent, after Deputy Finance Minister Saada Mkuya presented the two amendment proposals.

Members of Parliament yesterday asked the government to give the ailing Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) funds to buy new and modern planes to enable it compete effectively in the aviation industry.

The government has been advised to ensure it prepares Tanzanians and puts in place infrastructure that would enable them to own the gas economy.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Affairs, Industries and Trade Mahamoud Mgimwa gave the advice here yesterday when tabling the report of the committee.

Billions of shillings are lost through the Public Procurement Act, alleges opposition MP Rev Peter Msigwa who also describes the act as weak and it needs amendment.
“This law needs to be reviewed,” he said yesterday in Dar es Salaam.

Deputy Minister for Water, Dr Binilith Mahenge yesterday called on MPs to ‘team up’ with stakeholders and aid the government to realise implementation of the proposed ten village water project across the country.

Tanzania parliament’s netball team has retained the East African Community parliament’s championship title at Kampala’s Namboole Stadium over weekend.
The team posted a narrow 35-32 victory over their Ugandan counterparts in the closely contested encounter.

A section of academicians and political gurus across the country have cautioned Tanzanians to handle with care issues surrounding the performance and accountability of Premier Mizengo Pinda in Parliament, saying his resignation would only benefit the country if done on justifiable constitutional and political grounds.

Special Seats MP, Lucy Owenya (Chadema) has queried the cleanness and safety of water supplied by the Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Company (Dawasco) saying that many people were susceptible to waterborne diseases.

The government pledged yesterday to review tax exemptions for foreign businesses investing in Tanzania.
Deputy Minister for Finance Saada Mkuya Salum made the pledge here, when wrapping up Public Accounts Committee (PAC, Local Authority Accounts Committee (LAAC) and Parliamentary Budget Committee reports in the august House.

Members of Parliament have shown different attitudes towards a report released last week by the Research for Poverty Alleviation (REPOA) proposing the formation of an independent body to set payments and benefits for legislators and ranking public officers in a study report titled “Can Africa Afford the Cost of Democracy?”
The findings noted that an independent institution for setting payments and benefits for legislators and other public office holders was crucial for Africa to accelerate the rate of pro-poor economic development.

Majority of Tanzanians want the new constitution to have a clause that mandates the public to expel underperforming Members of Parliament.
Releasing the findings of a research titled: “Drafting the law of the land: Reflections of citizens in Mainland Tanzania on the draft constitution” head of Twaweza, Rakesh Rajani, said - according to the study- 91 per cent of people in Tanzania mainland want to have a mandate to oust their legislators in case they fail to perform their duties or are underperforming.

Members of Parliament yesterday asked two electoral bodies of the union and Zanzibar governments to update the permanent voters’ registers to allow more people take part in the forthcoming referendum on the constitutional review process.

A day after the Research for Poverty Alleviations (REPOA) proposed an independent body to set payments and benefits for legislators, three key people from different estates came strongly in support of the proposal, saying it was timely at this time when the country needs a stable economy.

Moshi Urban Member of Parliament, Philemon Ndesamburo (Chadema), has said the government’s argument that local Tanzanian businessmen have no financial muscle to own oil and gas blocks is aimed at safeguarding the interests of foreign investors at the expenses of locals.

Our land of peace may be known for experiencing periodic shortages of all sorts of commodities and services, but not new plans and initiatives. The latest initiative in the offing, which was recently hinted on by the official government newspaper, is the code of conduct for our honourable legislators.

In my opinion, the President, Dr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete's speech was superb and visionary. Tanzania is an example of a united nation for over 49 years, and it is a beacon for union and despite isolation that our partners are showing in the East African Community (EAC) will continue to show leadership and encouragement in keeping the EAC and indeed our other regional groupings like SADC and COMESA.

Parliament yesterday rejected a government proposal that sought to impose a penalty of Sh5m for any newspaper found guilty of publishing hate speeches.
The Sh5 million-penalty was earlier proposed in a part that sought to amend a section of the Newspaper Act No.

President Jakaya Kikwete has cleared Tanzania’s position on the East African Community (EAC), saying the country has no plans to leave or let the partnership fall apart.
Kikwete’s statement comes amid speculations from various groups who thought Tanzania and Burundi might quit the EAC after being sidelined by Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda who had been meeting and deliberating on some EAC issues without inviting the other two.

Members of Parliament yesterday faulted the government for failure to harmonise pension payment of terminal benefits to members of its various social security schemes, saying the irregularities discourage membership to the schemes.

Ministers of Livestock and Fisheries Development Dr David Mathayo and of Natural Resources and Tourism Ambassador Khamis Kagasheki came under spirited attacks from members of Parliament yesterday over their failure to execute their duties.

Shortage of skilled labour is among reasons cited for giving tax exemptions to foreign investors in the country as a way of compensating for the scarcity.
This was said yesterday in the National Assembly by the Deputy Minister for Finance, Saada Mkuya.

Shadow Minister for Energy and Minerals John Mnyika has commended Thursday’s agreement between Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) and government on participation of Tanzanians in the oil and gas business.

Kawe MP Halima Mdee has complained over refusal by the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly to slot her private motion in the just-ended Parliamentary meeting.
The private motion, according to Mdee, was geared to compel the Parliament to review The Finance Act, 2013 in which the government imposed an excise duty amounting to Sh1,000 for every Simcard every month.

Members of the Official opposition in the National Assembly yesterday walked out of the debating chamber protesting against some of sections in the Bill for the Constitutional Review (Amendment) Act, 2013.

A cross-section of SADC MPs want permission to express their feelings irrespective of their parties’ ideologies when it comes to discussing issues of National interests.
The MPs aired their views yesterday in Arusha when speaking at the ongoing 10th Southern Development Community Organisations of Public Accounts Committees conference (SADCOPAC).

Legislators have called on the government to include the idea of increasing fines and recognition of Village Community Bank (Vicoba) into the Cooperative Society’s Bill 2013.
The recognition of Vicoba and the increment of fines would give legal powers to Vicoba and at the same time keep members’ funds safe.

Tanzanian women parliamentarians have decided to set aside their political ideologies to advocate for 51 percent representation in various positions while also clamouring for eradication of death penalty.

The Controller and Auditor General (CAG) Ludovick Utouh has organised a 7-day training for parliamentary accounts committee members on financial matters.
Speaking when welcoming the National Assembly Speaker Anne Makinda, Utouh said the training was meant to enable the lawmakers understand financial matters more easily.

Stakeholders advising the government to offer local investors tax holidays in a bid to boost economic development in the country.
The advice was given at the weekend by the Tanga Member of Parliament, Omar Nundu during a tour of the Al Hayaa water plant in Tanga Region.

A three-day workshop for women Members of Parliament started yesterday in Bagamoyo, Coast Region under the umbrella of Tanzania Women Parliamentary Group (TWPG) to deliberate on the proposed draft constitution.

Amendments to recently endorsed Finance Act 2013 are to be tabled in the National Assembly sometime in August in the wake of nationwide outcry against the Act which proposed introduction of a monthly simcard tax.

To fight poverty, Tanzania should create comprehensive policies that empower people and create employment opportunities.
Former cabinet minister and Kwela MP Chrisant Mzindakaya said this yesterday in Dar es Salaam during a special and rare convocation organised by Uongozi Institute -- where Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda was chief guest.

Dar es Salaam regional officials have been accused of engaging in deforestation and environmental degradation of forest reserves found near the city.
James Lembeli (Kahama-CCM), the chairperson the Standing Committee on Land, Natural Resources and Environment of the National Assembly raised those accusations on Thursday during a visit of MPs involved in inter-parliamentary hearing on forest policy.

In parliaments that follow the Westminster traditional system, MPs compete by arguing over issues for the benefit of the citizens, National Assembly Speaker Anne Makinda said on Friday
She said the MPs are expected to behave by competing on the floor of the debating chamber through argument and not otherwise.

The Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) has expressed concern over their reports not being acted upon by the government, resulting in reducing the impact of the Commission in fostering good governance.

Alarmed by circumstances surrounding the issuance of import permits for sugar and rice, some lawmakers now want Parliament to form a special committee to investigate the multibillion-shilling rackets that cost the economy dearly.

The Parliament on Thursday endorsed a proposal for all public agencies, authorities and institutions to contribute10 per cent of government’s gross revenue.
The proposal was endorsed following the passing of the Finance Bill, 2013, that reviewed 22 laws to increase government revenue collection.

Lawmakers representing a cross-section of political parties yesterday threatened to block the Finance Bill tabled earlier by Minister for Finance Dr William Mgimwa unless he withdraws the hiked Excise duty and levy on fuel.

With several government offices moving to Dar es Salaam and the alleged slow shift of government offices to Dodoma, Members of Parliament argue it is no longer clear, which of the two cities is the capital.

The National Assembly yesterday endorsed the proposed 2013/14 government budget amounting to 18.2 trn/- by direct vote with 235 members supporting it while 35 said no.
Announcing the results, the national assembly clerk said 270 members were in the debating chamber to cast their verbal vote, while 83 others were reported absent.

Members of Parliament have cautioned that the cost of living for the entire public in the country is set to rise tremendously if the government sticks to its proposed tax review on fuel and motor insurance rates.

Bukene lawmaker on CCM ticket Seleman Zedi has said that unless the government facilitates the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) by availing it with human and financial resources the country, it will be difficult for Tanzanians to reap the huge benefits arising from the discovered abundant natural gas resources.

Members of Parliament yesterday demanded a thorough explanation from the government over the drastic fall in inflation that does not have impact on people’s lives.
Debating the government budget estimates tabled last week by the Minister for Finance, Dr William Mgimwa, lawmakers said government statistics on inflation have been confusing the public.

Four Chadema lawmakers who were on Tuesday held by police for interrogation were yesterday released after they bailed themselves.
In another development, the number of people who have died as a result of the Saturday bomb blast at the party’s organised rally has reached four.

A Cross-Section of Members Parliament yesterday asked the government to scrap mobile phone levies, saying raiding them amounted to bulldozing the ordinary people.
Debating the National Budget estimates tabled last week by Finance minister Dr William Mgimwa, here yesterday, the Kigoma Urban MP, Peter Serukamba urged the government to find other revenue sources rather than concentrating on mobile phones.

Bariadi West lawmaker and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Budget Monitoring Committee Andrew Chenge has said expenditures by the government have remained a major challenge in implementing the country’s budget.

The 18.249trn/- budget proposals for 2013/2014 financial year unveiled by Finance Minister Dr William Mgimwa yesterday, reflect an increase of 3.057trn/- (about 17percent) when compared to the current one.

Some Lawmakers yesterday criticised the amendment of a section in the Local Government (Elections) Act to allow the extension of time for hearing petitions for councillors saying the government should first address causes of the delays.

In recent days there has been drama in the National Assembly ranging from battle of words over adherence to parliamentary standing orders to deemed obscene language that resulted in expulsion of some lawmakers.

The lawmaker for Kigoma-South David Kafulila (NCCR-Mageuzi) has questioned the rationale for the government to import rice and maize while the country has the potential to produce surplus of these crops.

Mixed feelings arose in the House yesterday over Monday’s Constitutional draft launch some lauding the changes while others expressing their doubts.
On the side of those who oppose it, Member of Parliament for Kigoma-Urban Peter Serukamba (CCM) acknowledged that the draft contains a number of good aspects, saying that they are not practical and at best, difficult to implement.

The Ministry of Education and Vocational Training received scathing criticism for the state of education quality in the country as Members of Parliament called for exhaustive structural amendments and stern measures to be taken against the dysfunctional officers.

Members of Parliament have accepted the responsibility of informing, advising and assisting the government in the process of signing, ratifying, domesticating and eventually effecting implementation of Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).

The Government was yesterday forced to add up extra Sh20 billion, including making commitments for additional funds on the 2013/14 annual estimates for the Ministry of Livestock Development and Fisheries in a bid to soothe Members of Parliament for their much needed approval.

At last the Parliamentary Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Powers has reconciled the differences between the lawmakers of Civic United Front (CUF) and Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) after the two parties apologised to each other.

The National Assembly was yesterday suspended before it was prematurely postponed to today following a big commotion during a reaction by the Official Opposition when tabling the shadow budget speech of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Lawmakers yesterday asked the government to exempt Value Added Tax (VAT) on building materials so as to ensure that all Tanzanians benefit from the houses built by the National Housing Corporation (NHC).

Ministry of Finance has expressed the government’s commitment to clear all unpaid dues to pensioners according to the existing rates per month.
The commitment was made by the Deputy Minister of Finance, Saada Mkuya Salum when responding to a question raised by Anna Marystella Mallac (Special Seats-CCM) who wanted to know the reason behind the delayed payments as per current rates of 50,000/- and 83,000/-.

When the Minister for Energy and Minerals, Professor Sospeter Muhongo took ‘the podium’ to wind up his budget debate yesterday, it was a show of how he has read and understood the writings of Julius Nyerere more than any other leader.

Members of Parliaments yesterday cautioned the government against what they called ‘a rush’ to lucrative gas deal with multinationals, saying such hurry is what cost the country billions of dollars in 1990s when the State signed bogus deals with foreign mining companies.

Industry and Trade minister Dr Abdallah Kigoda on Wednesday dismissed claims by Ilemela MP Highness Kiwia (CHADEMA) that a company in joint venture National Development Corporation (NDC) to generate wind electricity power in Singida region is owned by relatives of CCM MPs.

The government has been urged to increase the meagre 2013/2014 budget estimates of the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure smooth implementation of its plans.
For financial year 2013/2014 the ministry requested 741.

The Opposition Camp in Parliament triggered fierce debate on Friday arguing the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) was wrong in ordering Ward Development Committees (WDCs) to preside over the process of choosing members to form district constitutional assemblies on Mainland Tanzania.

About two weeks ago Deputy Speaker Job Ndugai came under fire from the official opposition camp in Parliament after he unilaterally suspended Singida East MP Tundu Lissu and five other Chadema legislators from attending Parliament for five days for undermining his powers and causing chaos.

The Parliamentary Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources yesterday warned that the elephant population in the country would be extinct in the next seven years.
The committee’s chairman James Lembeli (Kahama-CCM) made this warning in the National Assembly yesterday when presenting views on the tabled budget estimates for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism for the 2013/2014 financial year.

Under an agreement with the East African Common Market the government has been, since 2007/08, issuing subsidies to fisheries to the tune of 5 percent tax relief on fishing boat engines, zero rating tax on imported raw materials used to manufacture fishing equipment.

The government has pledged to set up small tea processing factories for farmers through its ministry of Agriculture, Food and Cooperatives.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Cooperatives, Adam Malim, made the announcement yesterday in parliament where he explained the move is meant to curb the dire shortage of processing plants in most tea producing regions across the country.

Debate on budget estimates tabled by the Water minister Prof Jumanne Maghembe was yesterday suspended following a unanimous disapproval of the proposal by lawmakers in parliament.
With 398bn/- the budget is far less than last year’s 465bn/-, this is despite the augmented demand caused by various factors including population growth as well as increased business and agricultural activities.

Members of Parliament yesterday openly demanded that the budget allocated for water is too small to address the sector’s problems and that it should be increased to enable the country achieve the 2025 development vision.

Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda was mid this week forced to recount a success story of the fourth phase government, in a move aimed at responding to critics who have labeled the current regime as ‘ a failure’ in terms of economic and social development.

There’s a worrying trend within one of the key pillars of the state, in this case, the Parliament. What worries many is that our Parliament has elevated itself to the status of commenting on everything including issues under investigation by the authorised authorities as well as cases which are before the court of law.

Anne Makinda yesterday issued her verdict on the decision taken by her deputy, Job Ndugai, on Wednesday of suspending five Chadema Members of Parliament, saying he was quite right.
Speaker Makinda issued her verdict in Parliament after Leader of the Official Opposition Camp in the House Freeman Mbowe protested to the Speaker on Thursday morning over what they described as ‘Ngugai’s irrational decision.

The government’s ban on production, importation, distribution and use of plastic bags introduced about seven years ago has failed because of what lawmakers attributed to lack of seriousness and poor policing within the responsible authorities.

The Court of Appeal yesterday began hearing of an appeal on the judgment of the Sumbawanga zonal branch of the High Court to nullify results of the 2010 Sumbawanga Urban parliamentary election where Aeshi Hilary (CCM) emerged the winner.

The government has said plans are underway to enact a new Road Traffic Act that would resolve problems and complaints related to registration of motor vehicles in Zanzibar and the Mainland imported through either side of the Union.

There is no room for Special Seats MPs to get Constituency Development Catalyst Funds (CDCF), as the money is allocated only for those with geographical constituencies.
Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office, (Policy, Coordination and Parliamentary Affairs), William Lukuvi told the House that the CDCF Act No 16 of 2009, doesn’t provide any room for MPs who have no constituency to be allocated such funds.

Members of Parliament yesterday turned their attention to Dar es Salaam's endemic road traffic jams, calling for serious measures to end them.
Contributing to the 2013/14 budget estimates for the Prime Minister's Office, Abbas Mtemvu (Temeke, CCM) said the congestion in Dar es Salaam needs immediate comprehensive action if it is to be eased.

The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA’s) Import Duty Department came under the lawmakers’ spotlight in parliament yesterday over excessive bureaucracy which is claimed to have affected the government’s revenue collection strategies.

As the parliamentary Budget session convenes in Dodoma, renowned economist and chairman of the United Civic Front (CUF), Professor Ibrahim Lipumba has challenged Parliament to set standards of the good use of public money through avoidance of unnecessary expenditure noticed in the 2012/13 budget.

Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda has said concerted efforts are needed to address problems facing people with albinism to enable them lead normal lives, in an engaged seminar where MPs voted to skip an allowance for the albino society.

A war of words ensued yesterday in Parliament pitting CCM Deputy Secretary General Mwigulu Nchemba and Opposition Chief Whip Tundu Lissu over who exactly is the financier of the terrorist acts in the country.

Lawmakers have urged the government to improve emoluments of police officers to curb corruption and drugs abuse, retarding development progress in the country.
MPs were debating the Prime Minister’s Office budget estimates for the 2012/13 financial year tabled in the National Assembly by the Prime Minister on Wednesday.

The slow pace implementation of power transmission and distribution lines in different regions by US firm Symbion Power LLC was a big subject of big discussion in the National Assembly yesterday when lawmakers wanted to know when the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) funded projects would come to completion.